The agent was part of a squad assigned to track a group believed to be responsible for a string of violent holdups in the central part of New Jersey, the Star-Ledger of Newark (N.J.) reported. The shooting took place in Readington, N.J., on Route 22.

Two suspects were in custody Thursday afternoon and police were searching for a third, the newspaper said.

The shooting occurred after a robbery at a PNC Bank branch on Route 22. The agent was believed to be following the suspects.

The suspect being sought was wearing a ski mask during the robbery and carrying two red bags. He is believed to have lost a shoe.